Neutrophil Count

Neutrophil count (NC) is a type of blood test that measures the amount of neutrophils in the blood. Neutrophils are a special type of white blood cells (WBCs) that are involved in the fight against infection. The count therefore serves to determine the total number of WBCs that are neutrophils. Neutrophils numbers can be low or high, two conditions that are caused by different factors that will be discussed in this article.

WHY TO HAVE THE TESTS

Laboratory tests are usually done for regular screening, when a disease is suspected or to determine whether a disease is worsening or improving. This count will help in monitoring some heath conditions that may arise as a result of a low or high count.

CALCULATION OF NEUTROPHIL COUNT

The count is not measured directly. Instead, it is determined by multiplying the total WBC count by the percentage of neutrophils present in the differential WBC-count. The percentage of neutrophils consists of both segmented (mature neutrophils) and bands (neutrophils that are almost mature).

NEUTROPHIL COUNT FORMULA

NC = [(% segmented neutrophils + Bands) + (WBC)] / 100.

Normal NC should range from between 1.5 to around 8.0 (between 1500-8000 mm3).

LOW NC COUNT

When the count is less than 500 then it is considered low, a condition known as neutropenia.

The condition is caused by the following:-

Folic acid (B12) deficiency - This deficiency leads to the depletion of neutrophils in the blood.

Bacterial infections - Several bacterial infection can attack neutrophils and hence leading to neutropenia.

Aplastic anemia - This condition occurs when there is an abnormal decrease in the number of cells in the body due to malfunctioning of the bone marrow. This is mostly caused by medication, infection or radiation.

Preleukemia and Leukemia - Leukemia is cancer of the blood that causes WBCs to replace bone marrow. Preleukemia occurs when there is a significant decrease in neutrophils although full cancer has not yet developed.

HIGH NC

CAUSES

A sudden failure in the kidney may cause an abnormal rise in Neutrophils level.

Cancer - A rise in some forms of cancer in the body can lead to the rise in NC.

Ketoacidosis - This occurs when the body produces high levels of acids and poisons that leads to an increase in the number of neutrophils in the blood.

A low or high number of neutrophils can pose some health challenges. A neutrophil count will indicate the actual number of neutrophils present in the body. This will help doctors in monitoring such health challenges and help identify those at risks of developing such challenges. Have your count today!